Overview of Pregnancy Loss

Overview of Pregnancy Loss

What is pregnancy loss?

Pregnancy loss is the death of an unborn baby at any time during pregnancy. It is estimated that pregnancy loss occurs in over half of all early pregnancies. Most of these occur so early that the mother does not even know she is pregnant. The majority of pregnancy losses occur during the first trimester. Pregnancy loss includes:

Anembryonic pregnancy. The egg is fertilized, but never develops into an embryo.

Miscarriage. This is early pregnancy loss, also called spontaneous abortion.

Ectopic pregnancy. The development of the fetus is outside the uterus, in a fallopian tube, the cervical canal, or the pelvic or abdominal cavity.

Molar pregnancy. An abnormal development of placental and fetal tissues.

Stillbirth. This is when the fetus dies after 20 weeks.

What causes pregnancy loss?

The vast majority of pregnancy losses are due to genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. However, other factors can also play a role in pregnancy loss. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Abnormal embryo development

Hormone problems in the mother including low levels of progesterone or abnormal thyroid function

Diabetes in the mother (especially in women who have poorly-controlled blood glucose levels)

Abnormalities of the uterus including scar tissue inside the uterus, abnormal formation or shape of the uterus, or myomas (fibroid tumors)

Incompetent cervix. The opening of the uterus cannot stay closed during pregnancy

Infection including organisms, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), mycoplasma, chlamydia, and ureaplasma, as well as listeriosis and toxoplasmosis

Autoimmune diseases. Conditions, such as lupus erythematosus in which the body makes antibodies against one's own normal body chemicals. Other autoimmune problems include antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

Cigarette smoking

Exposure to toxic substances and chemicals, such as anticancer drugs (studies are conflicting about the relationship of substances, such as anesthetic gases, alcohol, and caffeine to pregnancy loss; exposure to video display terminals, or computer screens, has not been shown to be related to pregnancy loss)

Some women have recurrent problems in which pregnancy loss occurs over and over, usually 3 or more times. It is often difficult to find a cause for recurrent losses and couples may need additional testing for genetic or chromosomal problems.

Fortunately, most pregnancy losses are usually isolated events. A woman with a spontaneous early pregnancy loss has an 80% to 90% chance of a normal pregnancy the next time she conceives.

Why is pregnancy loss a concern?

Some pregnancy losses do not cause any problems, while others may be very serious and life-threatening for the mother, if untreated. However, the most difficult part for most families is the emotional stress of the loss itself.

The loss of a baby at any time in pregnancy can be emotionally and physically difficult for the mother and other members of the family. For some families, the timing of the loss in the pregnancy may make the experience more or less difficult. For example, an early loss, before the mother even knew she was pregnant, may not be as stressful as a loss later in pregnancy, such as after feeling fetal movement or seeing the fetus on ultrasound examination. However, parents may have strong feelings and sadness whenever a loss occurs.

Parents often experience a grief reaction to a loss, including feelings of the following:

Shock, numbness, denial, and confusion

Anger, guilt, searching, and yearning

Disorientation, depression, withdrawal, or lack of energy

Reorganization, resolution

These are normal responses to loss and may take months and sometimes years to work through. Experience with grieving families has found the following to be helpful:

Seeing or holding (this is especially important in later pregnancy losses and with babies who die with a birth defect)

Remembrances (including a lock of hair, hand or footprint, photographs, naming of the baby)

Counseling (with a professional who is experienced in bereavement counseling)

Holding a memorial or funeral service

What are the symptoms of pregnancy loss?

Vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of pregnancy loss. In later pregnancy, a woman with a stillborn may no longer feel fetal movements. However, each type of loss has specific symptoms. Also, each woman may exhibit different symptoms or the symptoms may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

How is pregnancy loss diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnosis of pregnancy loss is usually based on lab tests, with reported symptoms aiding in the diagnosis. Tests used to diagnose pregnancy loss may include:

Ultrasound. A diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

Sometimes a loss cannot be determined with a single blood hCG test or a single ultrasound. Repeat testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for pregnancy loss

Specific treatment for pregnancy loss will be determined by your doctor based on:

Your pregnancy, overall health, and medical history

Gestational age of the fetus

Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

The type of pregnancy loss

Your opinion or preference

Once pregnancy loss occurs, the uterus must be emptied of all the fetal tissues to prevent further complications. Counseling and support of the family are important. Your doctor can help you find resources and support organizations that can help after pregnancy loss.

Disclaimer:This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.